MARLOW'S Barry Middleton and Alex Danson have helped England's men's and women's hockey teams into the Commonwealth Games semi finals this week.

Danson scored in both of England's first two matches as Wales were beaten 2-0 and Malaysia despatched 5-0, before a 3-0 defeat by Australia in their third game.

That set up what was effectively a play-off for second place against hosts Scotland and Danson netted the crucial first goal as England survived a comeback to win 2-1 and confirm a semi final against New Zealand, which will be played tomorrow afternoon.

Danson said: "We are so delighted to be in the semi finals. It’s been a big competition from day one because we had a lot to prove to ourselves. But for us it is all about building momentum, and every time we have done that.

"We will prepare hard, we know it will be a tight game again but a good showcase and hopefully a great match."

Meanwhile men's captain Middleton led by example by scoring in England's opening game as Trinidad and Tobago were crushed 6-1, before Malaysia were demolished 8-1.

England then lost 2-1 to New Zealand despite dominating the game but Middleton was back on the scoresheet as Canada were beaten 3-1 to confirm a place in the semi finals, where Australia will be their opponents.